Dried tomatoes in a jar, preserved in olive oil

Dried tomatoes in a jar, preserved in olive oil

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 3 jars

Introduction
Imagine a summer filled with flavors, when the sun shines above the ripe tomatoes, sitting on the garden table, and their intense, sweet taste transforms into delicious memories throughout the year. This recipe for dried tomatoes in a jar, preserved in olive oil, not only combines tradition with innovation but also offers you the chance to bring a piece of your summer to every meal. The origins of this recipe are lost in history, but it is certain that drying vegetables has been a method used for centuries to preserve them.

Ingredients
- Approximately 2 kg of garden tomatoes (preferably elongated and some yellow tomatoes)
- 8-10 cloves of garlic
- Fresh basil leaves (to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of dried oregano
- Salt (Himalayan pink salt with chili is recommended for extra flavor)
- Freshly ground pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation
Step 1: Choosing the tomatoes
Select the most beautiful tomatoes, free from spots or blemishes. Elongated tomatoes are ideal due to their low water content, but feel free to experiment with different varieties, including yellow tomatoes for a more vibrant color palette. It is essential that the tomatoes are ripe but not overly watery.

Step 2: Preparing the tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes under cold running water and dry them with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, cut the tomatoes into slices about 0.5 cm thick. If you have an electric slicer, it can be useful, but for small quantities, a knife is perfect.

Step 3: Preparing the trays
Line two large trays with baking paper. Place the tomato slices on the paper, leaving a little space between them.

Step 4: Seasoning
On the first tray, sprinkle salt, pepper, dried oregano, and a few whole garlic cloves. On the second tray, use fresh basil leaves instead of oregano. The flavors will combine perfectly during baking.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 100 degrees Celsius. Place one tray on the middle rack and the other slightly higher. Every 15 minutes, check and rotate the trays, moving the top one down and vice versa. Dry the tomatoes for 1 hour and 20-30 minutes, reducing the temperature to 80-90 degrees Celsius if you notice they are drying too quickly.

Step 6: Cooling
Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar to allow the tomatoes to cool slowly for 20 minutes. This will help preserve the flavors and texture.

Step 7: Preparing the jars
Sterilize 3 jars (preferably 250-500 ml) and start layering the tomato slices with garlic cloves. You can separate the flavors: in one, use only tomatoes with oregano, in another, tomatoes with basil, and in the third, mix them. Fill with olive oil, ensuring the tomatoes are completely covered.

Step 8: Packing
Screw on the lids of the jars, label them, and store them in a dry, cool place. These dried tomatoes will bring summer flavors even in the middle of winter!

Useful tips
1. Tomatoes: Experiment with different types of tomatoes for more interesting hues. Yellow tomatoes add a touch of sweetness.
2. Olive oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor.
3. Herbs: Customize the recipe with your favorite herbs. Rosemary or thyme can add a splendid touch.
4. Serving: These dried tomatoes are excellent as appetizers, on a slice of toasted bread, in salads, or in pasta dishes.
5. Calories and nutritional benefits: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, and are low in calories, making them a healthy ingredient.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Yes, but the drying time will be different. Cherry tomatoes may dry faster due to their small size.

2. How can I tell if the tomatoes are ready?
The tomatoes should be dried but not completely dehydrated. They should be flexible but not mushy.

3. Can I reheat the oil?
It is not recommended to reheat olive oil, as it may lose its beneficial properties.

Conclusion
These dried tomatoes in a jar, preserved in olive oil, are not just a simple recipe but a way to keep summer in every meal. Start experimenting and adding a personal touch to your dishes. If you enjoy exploring and combining flavors, this recipe will surely become one of your favorites!

 Ingredients: approximately 2 kg of garden tomatoes, elongated and yellow-red, garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, dried oregano, salt (I used Himalayan pink salt with chili), freshly ground pepper, extra virgin olive oil

 Tags:  dried tomatoes in a jar preserved in olive oil canned food